Mariners fall to the Astros 6-4 in 9th inning disaster

Recap: It looked like the Mariners were going to come away with the win, up 3-2 in the 9th with Farquhar in for the save. Things fell apart quickly, with Farquhar walking two, followed by three singles; a couple of errors and 4 runs later, the Astros held a 6-3 lead. Abraham Almonte was responsible for all three of the Mariners runs tonight. After Brad Miller led things off with a strikeout in the first inning, Almonte got on base with a double. An error on a routine hit by Morales brought Almonte home. The Astros tied it up at 1 in the 2nd and took the lead in the 3rd off back to back doubles by Altuve and Crowe. Almonte was back at it in the 7th, getting his first Major League home run, a two run shot over the right field wall. The Mariners pitchers put together a team effort, with Walker getting the start and going 5 innings, striking out 8. Chance Ruffin, Lucas Leutge, Carter Capps and Charlie Furbush worked the next three innings, keeping the Astros scoreless. Danny Farquhar came on for the save in the 9th and the Mariners lead was long gone. Brad Miller gave the Mariners some home with a solo home run in the bottom of the 9th, but it wasn’t enough as Almonte and Seager both popped out.

Turning point: The turning point came in the top of the 9th inning with the Mariners holding onto a one run lead. Two walks, three hits and two errors later, the Mariners found themselves trailing by 3.Player of the game: we have a combo tonight, one on offense and one on defense. Your offensive POG is, of course, Abraham Almonte with three of the Mariners runs. The defensive POG goes to Taijuan Walker; five innings of work, two runs, one walk and eight strikeouts.

Next Up: The Mariners host the Astros in game 2 of the series; Joe Saunders (11-13, 4.95 ERA)will start for Seattle against Jordan Lyles (6-7, 5.08 ERA).

Notes: In the 9th inning a throw by Justin Smoak hit the Astros’Crowe along the first base line; it seemed like interference and manager Eric Wedge went out to argue, as no call was made, the ball flew to the backstop and another Astros run scored. In his postgame presser, Wedge said that as it was explained to him, it was not interference because it was unintentional. Had Crowe intentionally gotten in the path of the ball, the interference would have been called. Also, when asked about his first Major League home run, Abraham Almonte said he did get the ball and that he was going to give it to his Mom.Pitcher Taijuan Walker said it will be tough for him to be done for the season, but he feels good about his outings with the club and hopes to make the starting rotation next year. He said he will stay with the team and will workout and help cheer them on through the remaining games.